Biopsies
A breast core biopsy removes tissue from a suspicious area in the breast. The tissue is sent to a pathologist (medical doctor) for analysis under a microscope to determine a diagnosis. The Breast Center of Suburban Imaging offers core biopsies with the following imaging guidance:
- MRI
- Ultrasound
- Stereotactic (uses mammographic guidance)
– Your insurance card and a valid photo i.d.
Please arrive 5-10 minutes early to complete registration.
If you are on blood thinners, please discuss this with your doctor before your biopsy.
Performing the actual biopsy takes just minutes, but please allow approximately one to two hours for your biopsy appointment. During your appointment, the technologist will update your medical history, explain the procedure, answer your questions, and get you ready for the biopsy. Following the biopsy, the technologist will dress the wound and give you instructions on how to care for the area.
Using imaging equipment, a breast radiologist will locate the abnormal area in your breast. For a stereotactic biopsy, you will lie on your abdomen on a specially designed table; your breast will hang down through a hole in the table top and slight compression will be applied to the breast to hold it in place during the biopsy.
The area will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution and numbed. A single small nick will be made in the skin and a biopsy needle will be advanced to the lesion. Several core samples of the lesion will be removed. A specimen x-ray may be taken during the biopsy to ensure adequate sampling of the area.
If the radiologist finds it necessary to mark the biopsy area, a tiny titanium clip will be placed. This is used to identify the biopsy site and to monitor the area on future mammograms.
Following your biopsy, the technologist will hold pressure on your breast, then a dressing will be placed over the site. You will be given an ice pack to put inside your bra to control swelling and minimize discomfort.
If a clip was placed during the biopsy, a gentle mammogram will be performed following the biopsy to document clip placement.
The tissue obtained from the biopsy will be sent to a pathology lab for analysis. Results are usually available within one to two working days. The Breast Center nurse will call to see how you are doing and will share your results at that time; your doctor will also receive a copy of the results. If you experience pain or discomfort following your biopsy, you may take Tylenol. If you have any unusual symptoms in the days following your biopsy, such as redness, swelling, or pus-like discharge, please call The Breast Center nurse at (763) 795-0704 or see your healthcare provider.
If your biopsy results are benign (not cancer) you will be asked to return to The Breast Center in six months for additional imaging to confirm the benign diagnosis and to reassess the breast after the healing process.
Most women are able to return to work the same day; however, it is our recommendation that you not lift anything heavier than 10 lbs until the day after your biopsy. We also recommended that you do not get the area wet for 24 hours following the biopsy – no showering, tub-soaking or swimming. You may take Tylenol and use an ice-pack on the biopsy area if you experience any discomfort.
